Exploring Japan's Islands Through a Unique Multimedia Experience

Gateway Hall of the Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall

On March 24th, the Gateway Hall of the Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition will unveil a stunning three-panel screening titled "Exploring Japan's Islands: The Diverse Cultures and Histories Woven by Nature." This event features rare, high-resolution footage captured with advanced drone technology, showcasing Japan's remote islands.

What is the Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall?

The Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall is dedicated to illustrating Japan's territorial claims through historical displays focusing on the Northern Territories, Takeshima, and the Senkaku Islands. It aims to educate visitors about Japan's maritime boundaries and the reasons behind its claims. Following its grand reopening in April last year, the facility has incorporated cutting-edge immersive technologies that enhance the entertainment appeal of its content, making it a popular destination among visitors.

The newly expanded Gateway Hall, inaugurated in November, provides a multipurpose learning space that encourages engagement through listening, researching, pondering, and debating topics related to Japan’s territories and seas. This space is designed to serve as a gateway to understanding the world through the lens of Japan’s islands and oceans. Additionally, the hall accommodates groups visiting for educational purposes, offering dining facilities for students.

Pictures of the exhibition shed light on the immersive theatre experiences featuring Japan's diverse islands and immersive displays of the Northern Territories' coastal scenes.

The Three-Screen Experience

The Gateway Hall features three expansive "white walls" serving multiple functions. These screens are used to project materials during lectures and webinars or to display online participants' images. Importantly, these screens also create an impressive immersive viewing experience. Since its opening in November, the hall has regularly screened two exciting features: "Japan - Diverse Landscapes Shaped by Sea, Land, and Climate" and "Seal Hunting in Tsushima and Takeshima."

"Japan - Diverse Landscapes Shaped by Sea, Land, and Climate" explores the rich natural environment that has nurtured the lifestyles and cultures of the people living in the Japanese archipelago, delving into the interplay of sea, land, and climate. Meanwhile, "Seal Hunting in Tsushima and Takeshima" offers a glimpse into 16mm films originally shot for the Osaka Asahi Shimbun in 1934, showcasing recently discovered footage. This film was digitally remastered with assistance from the National Film Archive, curated by Professor Takao Inoue, a leading expert on seal research.

About the Newly Released Video

The newly released video, "Exploring Japan's Islands: The Diverse Cultures and Histories Woven by Nature," focuses on Japan's remote border islands that are pivotal in justifying our territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. This compelling footage highlights the unique cultures and histories cultivated in these islands, which are rich in customs and gastronomies that differ from those on the main islands like Honshu.

By showcasing the allure of these border islands, the exhibition seeks to build a greater understanding of Japan’s territorial waters and the vital importance of preserving the rich cultural and natural heritage found in these regions.

Screening Schedule

Visitors can access the exhibition's schedule and details about the newly released video and previous content through the facility's webpage. The hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free admission. The exhibition hall is closed on Mondays, and the New Year holiday (December 29 to January 3). Special closures may also occur on specific dates.

Venue Information

- Name: Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall
- Location: 1F Toranomon Dai-Building East, 3-8-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0013, Japan
- Phone: 03-6257-3715
- Website: Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition